Hardy Hibiscus

These impressive blooms bring drama and a touch of the tropics.

- Sherri Ribbey

'Holy Grail' hardy hibiscus has 8- to 9-inch red flowers with a bright green calyx that pops against the near black maplelike foliage. It grows 48 to 54 inches tall and wide in USDA zones 4 to 9.

For big results with little effort, hardy hibiscus is a great perennial for your summer border. The biggest draw is those gorgeous 8- to 12-inch-diameter flowers - they make quite the statement! You'll find them in shades of pink, red or white with a long pistil and bright yellow anthers that give it some tropical flair. Flowers aren't the only attraction here-hardy hibiscus has good-looking (and disease-free!) deep to olive green or purple foliage. And leaf shapes vary from round to maple-like. These big, usually 3- to 4-foot-tall perennials take up a large footprint in the border and mimic a shrub inhabit.

MEET THE FAMILY Most plants that you'll find at the garden center are hybrids or cultivars of Hibiscus moscheutos. The species and some older varieties tend to be tall and lanky with blooms near the top. But newer breeding efforts are bringing tidier, mounded habits and new flower colors, such as solid white and shades of pink and red with bluer tones. Another big plus to new hybrids is that plants develop buds up and down the stems, and petals overlap instead of having gaps between them. That provides a bigger show of color and helps the flowers stand up to rainy weather better. 'Holy Grail' at right is one example of a newer introduction with stunning red blooms and deep purple foliage. But that's just the beginning-turn the page for more hardy hibiscus inspiration.

Meet More Hardy Hibiscus

Hardy hibiscus

Hibiscus hybrids

Blooms Red, pink, lavender or white blooms from midsummer to fall

Light Full sun to part shade

Soil Moist, well-drained